BIAS-BASED PROFILING

The Hendry County Sheriff's Office does not condone the use of Bias-Based Profiling. It is our policy to reaffirm our commitment to unbiased policing to the residents and visitors to our community. We do this by patrolling in a proactive manner, to aggressively investigate suspicious persons and circumstances and to actively enforce the motor vehicle laws, while insisting that citizens will only be stopped or detained where there exists suspicion to believe they have committed, are committing, or about to commit an infraction of the law. This proactive approach aids in the detection and apprehension of criminals, maintains the safety of our streets and highways, protects our citizens and community from crime.

Profiling may only be used when credible information has been received regarding a suspect(s) where probable cause or reasonable suspicion is present. Bias-Based Profiling alienates citizens, fosters distrust of law enforcement by the community and invites media scrutiny, legislative action and judicial intervention.

The Hendry County Sheriffs Office is committed to unbiased profiling. Investigative detentions, traffic stops, arrests, searches and property seizures will be based on reasonable suspicion or probable cause in accordance with the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Members of the Hendry County Sheriffs Office must be able to articulate specific facts and circumstances that support reasonable suspicion or probable cause for investigative detentions, traffic stops, arrests, non consensual searches and property seizures.

Citizens who feel they have been stopped or searched due to bias-based profiling may file a complaint with the Hendry County Sheriffs Office. Complaints may be filed in person, by mail or by telephone. To file a complaint in writing, please include all the facts, names, dates and places known. Please include as much detailed information as possible. All complaints will be investigated.